I don't give five star ratings easily and this is my first so I'll try my best to convey why I feel Mastro's deserves five stars.
Mastro's restaurant is of top quality and serves excellent food--not just the steak but everything. It is an ideal place for an intimate dinner as well as a private party (they are equipped for that with private rooms/areas). I have found the service to be beyond reproach and the selection of wines.
I always try to reserve a secluded table not in the middle of the restaurant, and preferably upstairs by the windo, which makes a difference in terms of ambiance IMO. The décor is simple and effective. It is sort of modern and warm and the same time. The floors have classic tiles and the curtains are plush and red. You feel like you are in someone's modern personal living room and an ultra-chic cafeteria at the same time. The modernity of the ambiance keeps it feeling crisp and clean down to the freshly pressed table clothes.
Although Mastros is first and foremost a steakhouse, their yummy crustacean appetizers should not be neglected. I personally enjoy a nice shrimp cocktail before a steak dinner. It is less filling than soup or salad and is oh so elegant. The only problem here is that red wine doesn't go with shrimp but I have found the solution: champagne with the shrimp cocktail and then either bottle or glasses of red wine for two with the steak dinner.
I usually will get the 8 or 12 oz filet depending on how hungry I am but sometimes I'll also share a porterhouse with a girlfriend. The porterhouses are really tender, flavorful, grilled to perfection and seasoned well. I love the garlic mashed potatoes as a side dish.
We're usually full after an appetizer and a main dish with side so although they are yummy, I usually don't get dessert. I do however like to top off a perfect evening with a nice cognac. A little touch of elegance that brings the whole night together...in your mouth!
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